Are you looking for the best ways to organize art supplies? Here are 19 great tips to help you nurture your little artist and keep your home from devolving into crayon chaos!
As parents, we all know the joy (and chaos) that comes with nurturing our little artists. Their creativity knows no bounds, but unfortunately, neither does the sprawl of their art supplies. If you don’t take action, before you know it, paper scraps, colored pencils, paint brushes, and various art projects are spread all over your home. Organizing these supplies can seem daunting, but you can learn to keep art supplies organized while still being within easy reach.
In this blog post, I’ll share 19 brilliant ways to transform a cluttered mess into an inspiring art space. These tips are tried and true, taken from my experiences organizing and creating spaces that encourage imagination and creativity.
Here are the best ways to organize art supplies!
1. Start with Sorting
The first step is always to sort through what you have. This can be a fun activity with your child, teaching them to categorize and decide what’s important. You’ll likely discover forgotten treasures and identify no longer needed or usable items. This process clears space and helps you understand what needs organizing.
Keep the frequently used and loved items, and consider donating gently used items that no longer spark your child’s creativity. This decluttering sets the stage for a more organized and accessible art space.
2. Use Clear Storage Bins
Clear storage plastic bins allow you and your child to see what’s inside without rummaging through everything. Use these to group similar items, like crayons, markers, or stickers. This visibility benefits children, making it easier to find what they need and put it back correctly.
Labeling the bins can also be fun, mixing creativity with organization. Let your child help label the containers with drawings or stickers to signify what’s inside.
3. Get a Rolling Cart
A rolling art cart is an excellent solution for mobile creativity. It can be filled with art supplies and wheeled to wherever your child feels inspired, be it the kitchen table or the living room floor. Each tier can hold different categories of supplies, making it easy for kids to grab what they need and return it when they’re done.
The mobility also means you can easily tuck it away when not in use, perfect for managing space in smaller homes. It’s a flexible art station that can evolve with your child’s interests and needs.
4. Consider Vertical Storage Solutions
When floor space is limited, go vertical! Shelves, hanging organizers, or pegboards can store many supplies without taking up valuable room space. They also keep everything visible and accessible.
Use hanging buckets or magnetic spice containers on a metal board to store small items like beads or pompoms. It’s a great way to use unused wall space and clear counters and tables.
5. Create a Dedicated Art Table
If space allows, set up a dedicated art table. It’s a space where messiness is okay, creativity is encouraged, and supplies are within easy reach. Cover the table with butcher paper your child can draw directly on or use to protect the surface during craft projects.
Having a designated creative space helps contain the potential mess in one area and makes clean-up quicker and more straightforward. It’s also a special spot for your child to return to, knowing that it’s their personal area for creativity (and creative messes).
6. Use Magazine Holders for Paper Storage
Magazine holders are surprisingly versatile and perfect for organizing construction paper, coloring books, or sheets of stickers. They keep paper flat, prevent folds and tears, and can be easily tucked into a bookshelf or on a desk.
Encourage your child to keep their paper supplies in the magazine holder after they’re done with their art session. This teaches organization skills and ensures that papers are kept neat and accessible for the next burst of inspiration.
7. Label Everything
Labels help your child know where everything goes, which is essential for maintaining the organization. Use pictures or icons alongside words if your child isn’t reading yet so they can still be part of the clean-up process.
This approach also fosters independence, as children can take charge of their own supplies, learning responsibility and organizational skills.
8. Create an Art Caddy
An art caddy is a portable and efficient way to store frequently used items like scissors, glue sticks, and markers. It’s easy for kids to carry their essentials from one room to another, keeping the most-used items organized and within reach.
Choose a caddy with compartments or dividers so each supply type has its designated spot. This can also limit the number of supplies used at one time, helping control the potential mess.
9. Make a Craft Supply Closet
If you have the space, dedicate a closet to craft supplies. You can install shelves and hanging organizers to maximize the space; everything stays concealed behind the doors when not in use. It’s like having a mini craft or art supply store at home, where everything is neatly arranged and easy to find.
A closet can be customized to fit various storage needs, from shelves filled with bins to hooks for hanging bags of materials. It’s a scalable solution that can grow with your child’s interests and burgeoning supply collection.
10. Use Door Organizers for Extra Space
Over-the-door organizers are for more than just shoes! They can be a perfect spot for stashing art supplies, especially those small items that tend to get lost. Each pocket can hold different supplies, and it’s all easily visible and accessible.
This is a great way to use otherwise wasted space, and it can be convenient for storing items you don’t want little hands accessing without supervision.
11. Implement a Color-Coded System
Color coding isn’t just visually appealing; it’s also functional. Organize supplies by color to make it easier for your child to find what they need and to put it back in the right place. This can be done with bins, shelves, or even within drawers.
It’s also a great educational tool, helping younger children with color recognition and sorting skills while organizing their art supplies.
12. Dedicate Bins for Different Projects
If your child works on multiple projects, dedicating a bin or container for each project can be a lifesaver. This keeps all the necessary materials in one place, making picking up where they left off easy. It also helps to keep unfinished projects organized and accessible without getting mixed up with other supplies.
Label each bin with the project’s name and perhaps a list of contents or next steps. This keeps things organized and builds excitement as they move from project to project.
13. Repurpose Household Items
Before buying new storage solutions, look around your home for items you can repurpose. Old jars, ice cube trays, and muffin tins can hold small supplies like beads, buttons, or googly eyes. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-conscious way to add to your organizational system.
Encouraging your child to help in this process can also spark their creativity as they think of new uses for everyday items.
14. Organize Art Supplies by Type
Grouping supplies by type is the easiest way to find what you’re looking for and keeps like items together. Have all the drawing supplies in one area, painting supplies in another, etc. This streamlines the creative process and helps teach your child how to categorize and organize items logically.
This system also makes it easier to assess what you have, preventing over-purchasing or losing track of supplies you already own.
15. Set Up a Display Area for Artwork
Creating a space where your child can display their works of art serves multiple purposes. It not only celebrates their creativity but also helps keep the workspace clear. Use a bulletin board, picture ledges, or a simple string with clips to showcase their latest masterpieces.
This designated display area can be rotated regularly, keeping the artwork fresh and the space tidy. Plus, it gives your child a sense of pride in their creative endeavors, encouraging them to keep creating.
16. Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine
Establishing a routine where your child helps clean and organize their art space regularly can instill good habits early on. Make it a fun, regular activity, weekly or after a big project. This keeps the space tidy and teaches responsibility and respect for their belongings. And maintenance cleaning takes less time than a full-blown deep clean, which allows more time for another art project.
A clean and organized space can reignite their interest in ongoing projects and inspire new ones, making their art space a constantly evolving creative haven.
17. Use Stackable Containers
Stackable containers can utilize vertical space effectively and can keep a large amount of supplies organized. Plus, they can be labeled and color-coded, making it easy to find what you need quickly.
These containers can store everything from seasonal supplies that are only sometimes used to bulkier items like yarn or fabric scraps. And because they stack, they leave more room for the actual crafting area.
18. Incorporate Fun Labels
Make labeling a fun part of the organizational process by involving your child. Use bright colors, fun fonts, or even their own handwriting to label containers and bins. This helps them take ownership of their space and is a fun way to add a personal touch to the organization system.
Labels can be as simple as stickers, or you can get creative with chalkboard labels that can be changed. The key is to make it fun and personal, encouraging your child to maintain the organization.
19. Embrace Flexibility
Finally, remember that the best organizational system can adapt to changing needs. As your child grows and their interests evolve, their organizational needs will change, too. Keep the system flexible and be ready to adjust as needed, whether that means swapping out storage solutions or rethinking the layout.
The goal is to create a space that supports your child’s creativity and passion, evolving with them as they explore new artistic avenues.
Best Ways to Organize Your Child’s Art Supplies: Wrap Up
Organizing your child’s art supplies doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these strategies, you can create an orderly, inspiring space that nurtures their creativity and makes art projects enjoyable for both of you. Happy organizing!
Best Ways to Organize Your Child’s Art Supplies: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked question about how to organize art supplies.
1: How often should I declutter my child’s art supplies?
Answer: It’s beneficial to declutter seasonally or at least twice a year, especially if you live in a small space. This frequency ensures that broken, unused, or outgrown items are removed, and you can replenish supplies as needed. It’s also an excellent opportunity to engage your child in decision-making, teaching them to evaluate what they value and need.
2: What’s the best way to label storage containers for kids who can’t read yet?
Answer: For pre-readers, use picture labels or icons along with words. Photographs of the contents or illustrations representing the items inside can help young children identify where things belong and assist in the clean-up process.
3: How can I make the organization fun for my child?
Answer: Turn organizing into a creative activity! Allow your child to decorate the storage bins or help create colorful labels. Establishing a “sorting game” or having them choose the organization colors and themes can also make the process enjoyable and engaging.
4: Are there any child-friendly organizational items you recommend?
Answer: Look for storage solutions with easy-to-open drawers or bins, rounded corners, and no small parts. Items like colorful bins, rolling carts with safety locks, and low shelves are accessible and safe for children.
5: How can I maintain the organization of my child’s art supplies?
Answer: Regular check-ins and clean-up routines can help maintain organization. Encourage your child to put things back in their designated spots after use. Set a weekly or monthly time to tidy up together, reinforcing the importance of keeping their creative space neat.
6: How do I decide what supplies to keep within easy reach?
Answer: Keep frequently used items, like crayons, paper, and scissors, within easy reach. Seasonal or less commonly used items can be stored higher up or in less accessible areas. Regularly rotate items based on your child’s current interests and projects.
7: What should I do with old or completed artwork?
Answer: Create a display area for current favorites and a portfolio or storage box for keeping special pieces. Periodically, go through older art with your child to decide what to keep, what to photograph and save digitally, and what can be recycled or repurposed.
8: How can vertical storage be made safe for children?
Answer: Ensure all shelving is securely anchored to the wall to prevent tipping. Keep heavier items on lower shelves and lighter items up high, and ensure that any hanging organizers are well secured and within safe reach of your child.
9: What are the best storage solutions for small art supplies?
Answer: Small containers, jars, or divided organizers are excellent for tiny items like beads, buttons, or sequins. Clear containers are helpful as they allow children to see the contents, and containers with secure lids can prevent spills.
10: How can I store large paper or artwork without damaging it?
Answer: Use flat file cabinets, large portfolio cases, or homemade storage solutions like under-bed bins or vertical slots made from repurposed cardboard. Keeping paper flat and protected from the edges prevents tears and creases.
11: Can you recommend any eco-friendly storage solutions?
Answer: Repurpose containers you already have at home, like jars, boxes, or cans. You can also look for storage items made from sustainable materials like bamboo, fabric baskets, or biodegradable plastics.
12: How can I involve my child in the organization process?
Answer: Give them choices and make it a collaborative project. Let them decide how to categorize items, choose the colors for labels, or decide which artworks to display. This gives them a sense of ownership and encourages them to keep their space organized.
13: What’s the best way to organize different types of paper?
Answer: Separate paper by type, size, or color and store it in magazine holders, file organizers, or dedicated drawers. Label each section clearly so you and your child can quickly find what is needed.
14: How do I know if I’m using the right storage solutions?
Answer: The right storage solutions should reduce clutter, make items easy to find and put away, and be accessible to your child. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your system and be willing to adjust as needed.
15: What if my child loses interest in keeping their space organized?
Answer: Keep the organization system simple and involve your child in the process to ensure it works for them. Regularly praise their efforts to maintain an organized space and adjust as needed to keep the system engaging and manageable.
16: How can I ensure the art supplies are organized in a safe way for my child?
Answer: Store hazardous materials out of reach and ensure all containers are easy to open and close. Avoid storage solutions with sharp edges or small parts, and regularly check the area for any potential safety hazards.
17: What specific organizational tools work best for craft supplies?
Answer: Stackable bins, drawer organizers, and compartmentalized trays are particularly effective for craft supplies. They can be labeled and categorized to keep everything in its place and easy to find.
18: How do I organize supplies for different children of various ages?
Answer: Use separate storage solutions tailored to each child’s age and ability, ensuring that younger children have safe, easy-to-access supplies. In comparison, older children can handle more sophisticated organization systems and materials.
19: How can I ensure the organization system grows with my child?
Answer: Choose adaptable storage solutions that can be easily reconfigured. Monitor how your child uses their space and be open to making changes based on their evolving needs, interests, and abilities.
I hope these tips will give you some great ideas for how to organize art supplies. If you’re looking for more tips on organizing for your child’s things, check out these blog posts: